View full sizeMichael Lloyd/The OregonianCapt. Eric Hendricks training police at Portland International RacewayNews that Portland's police traffic captain and his wife were both hospitalized after a serious three-car accident Monday night as they headed home from a brief getaway to the coast shook even the most veteran cop.

North Precinct Cmdr. Jim Ferraris, speaking by phone Tuesday from the hospital where Capt. Eric Hendricks was to undergo the second of what's expected to be multiple surgeries, said bureau members are deeply saddened and concerned.

"It makes all of us reflect on the responsibilities of driving, and how dangerous it can be," Ferraris said.

Bureau members also immediately began to look ahead, offering to help the Hendrickses in what's expected to be an extensive rehabilitation and recovery, whether they'll need assistance at home, getting around or cooking meals.

The accident occurred about 5 p.m. when a van headed west on U.S. 30 swerved into the eastbound lane, west of Rainier. The van driver told state police he swerved to avoid what he thought were deer moving into his lane of traffic.

A Pontiac Sunfire heading east veered into the eastbound shoulder to avoid the van.

Eric Hendricks, driving a BMW behind the Pontiac, also tried to avoid the oncoming van and steered toward the right shoulder. The van crashed into the driver's side of Hendricks' vehicle, pushing it onto its side. The BMW came to rest on the passenger side on the eastbound shoulder, state police said.

Both Hendricks, 54, and his wife, Nadine, 52, were trapped inside their vehicle and had to be pried out by Columbia River Fire & Rescue. They were initially taken by ambulance to St. John's Hospital in Longview, Wash. Both were then airlifted by Life Flight Network to Portland.

Eric Hendricks was taken to Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center, where he remained in critical condition Tuesday afternoon, and his wife went to OHSU Hospital. She was upgraded to serious condition Tuesday. Both suffered massive internal injuries and bone fractures.

"It's just a shock, especially when you see the damage both Eric and his wife suffered," Ferraris said.

State Police Lt. Gregg Hastings said no action has been taken against the van driver, Jeffrey L. Lidgett, 47, of Clatskanie. He was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at St. John's Hospital. The driver of the Pontiac, Justin M. Aldrich, 24, of Castle Rock, Wash., did not receive medical attention at the scene, but said he'd get a checkup later.

State police recommend that drivers brake, instead of swerving to avoid hitting an animal in the road.

"If you cannot stop in time, unfortunate as it may be, it is usually safer to hit the animal than to swerve. Swerving may land you in the path of another car or off the road in a ditch," Hastings said. In 2008, 2 percent of all Oregon traffic crashes involved a wild animal. Five fatal crashes listed wild animals as a contributing factor.

Hendricks has served as captain of the Portland Traffic Division since January and before that, he led the bureau's training division since July 2006. He served as a sergeant of the Drugs and Vice Division, and lieutenant of the Tactical Operations Division. His older brother, Greg Hendricks, retired from the bureau as a commander. The couple has two daughters in their 20s.

""Eric is a very respected, capable, well-thought-of leader in our
organization. He's a decorated veteran of the force for 23 years, and
people certainly feel bad, and their heart goes out for him and his
wife," Ferraris said.

Eric Hendricks and his wife were at the coast Sunday and Monday and
were headed home when the accident occurred, police said. He had told
his staff that he'd be back in the office Tuesday.

"He's looking at a significant amount of treatment. We're all just
hopeful for his recovery," said Traffic Lt. Bryan Parman, who is
serving as acting captain in Hendricks' absence.

Detective Mary Wheat, the bureau spokeswoman, said Hendricks was her
supervisor in the drugs and vice division. "I think what's hitting us
all is how your life can change in a matter of seconds."